Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of our 32nd President, knew how to assert herself. She once left the White House to visit a prison in Baltimore. Her departure was so early in the morning that she decided not to disturb her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Shortly after he got up, he contacted her secretary to ask where his wife was. She replied, “She’s in prison, Mr. President.” “I’m not surprised,” replied FDR, “but what for?”
Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman of quiet strength. She was not deliberately controversial, but neither was she reluctant to speak her mind about things she considered important. How about us? Are we reluctant to speak our minds about things we consider important?
Many of us still shy away from the word “Evangelization,” but it is a task which is central to our calling as followers of Jesus. Evangelization is, essentially, the proclamation of the Gospel. It involves sharing the Person of Jesus Christ, and the truth of the saving Mystery of His Passion, Death and Resurrection, to all people – so that they may come to know Him, love Him, and serve Him, and be saved by His redeeming love and mercy. And, yes, it is absolutely necessary!
Pope Francis, in his Encyclical Letter “The Joy of the Gospel” teaches: “An Evangelizing community is supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. It is familiar with patient expectation and apostolic endurance. Evangelization is first and foremost about preaching the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ or have always rejected Him. But every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in this effort; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love.” What are we waiting for when it comes to speaking about the things we consider important?
